Macfarlane Packaging, the UK’s largest protective packaging supplier, and Lancaster University have partnered to develop a groundbreaking software designed to radically reduce the overuse of packaging.

The software was developed with backing from a UK Government Applied Research Collaborations (ARC) grant and is the backbone of a new Packaging Minimiser service which is available exclusively to Macfarlane customers.

Macfarlane Packaging and Lancaster University have co-developed a software to reduce packaging overuse.

“This software optimizes packaging options for dispatching orders which helps businesses reduce their packaging and courier costs, and in turn is good for the environment. Macfarlane Packaging’s extensive expertise in this field will enable them to maximize these benefits for their customers,” said Dr Jamie Fairbrother, Lecturer in Operational Research (Optimisation) at Lancaster University who led the team that created the software.

Packaging Minimiser

The software uses an advanced algorithm to pinpoint exactly where businesses are shipping empty space and using too much packaging, or the wrong kind, in the process.

This allows Macfarlane to recommend solutions that cut costs, material weight and carbon emissions in a single move, significantly reducing the amount of time required and enhancing accuracy.

The service is expected to reshape how manufacturers, distributors, third party logistics companies and retailers with multiple packaging needs and high-volume, complex packaging requirements ship their products.

Reducing packaging material use and cost

Results from Macfarlane’s Innovation Labs indicate that the company’s Packaging Minimiser service can reduce packaging material use by an average of 15%, cutting empty packaging space and costs.

The new software also offers other benefits including:

• Parcel weight reduction

• Reduced transportation carbon emissions

• Cutting the number of packaging products used

• Packaging that’s easier to store and frees up warehouse space

• Compliance with UK and EU packaging waste regulations, like EPR and PPWR

• Lower overall packaging costs

“This is a gamechanger for customers shipping at scale. With our new Packaging Minimiser we can now assess their needs in days, not weeks — saving them money, cutting their carbon emissions and helping them to stay compliant with every relevant regulation,” commented Rachel Fellows, Sales Director, National Accounts at Macfarlane Packaging.